2026 Best Value Urban Studies/Affairs Schools

1

Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Our analysis ranked Cuny Hunter College the best value for a degree in urban studies/affairs in the United States. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,382, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Students borrow a median of $11,091 to complete the urban studies/affairs program here. Urban Studies/affairs graduates of Cuny Hunter College earn a median of $72,012 early in their careers. Set against $11,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.

2

California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Northridge earned it the #2 place for urban studies/affairs. Located in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Students borrow a median of $13,612 to complete the urban studies/affairs program here. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from California State University Northridge generally make around $46,826. That is a strong return on a $13,612 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

3

Cuny Queens College
Queens, NY

Cuny Queens College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies/affairs schools. Set in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,538, with out-of-state students paying around $15,488. Typical student debt for urban studies/affairs graduates is $12,201. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from Cuny Queens College generally make around $52,912. Set against $12,201 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.

4

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Students looking for strong value in urban studies/affairs will find it at Stanford University, which ranked #4. Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Stanford. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $100,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants.

5

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies/affairs schools. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete the urban studies/affairs program here. Urban Studies/affairs graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $37,074 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

6

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies/affairs schools. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Tacoma. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $18,965 in student loans. Urban Studies/affairs graduates of University Of Washington Tacoma Campus earn a median of $47,585 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.

7

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine earned the #7 position for value in urban studies/affairs this year. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $34,385. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.

8

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

San Jose State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies/affairs schools. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies/affairs schools. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete the urban studies/affairs program here. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $60,527. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

10

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University placed #10 among the best values for urban studies/affairs. San Francisco State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Francisco. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Students borrow a median of $18,600 to complete the urban studies/affairs program here. Early-career urban studies/affairs graduates make about $50,008. Set against $18,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

11

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #11 among the best values for urban studies/affairs. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Typical student debt for urban studies/affairs graduates is $30,500. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from University Of Nevada Las Vegas generally make around $46,712. That is a strong return on a $30,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

12

University Of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, MO

University Of Missouri Kansas City placed #12 among the best values for urban studies/affairs. University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public school located in the city of Kansas City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,371, with out-of-state students paying around $32,271. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $23,741 in student loans. Early-career urban studies/affairs graduates make about $60,324. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.

13

Portland State University
Portland, OR

Portland State University landed the #13 spot for urban studies/affairs value this year. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $36,850 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from Portland State University generally make around $45,870. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.

14

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley placed #14 among the best values for urban studies/affairs. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for urban studies/affairs graduates is $14,444. Urban Studies/affairs graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $58,171 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%.

15

University Of Maryland College Park
College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park earned the #15 position for value in urban studies/affairs this year. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete the urban studies/affairs program here. Early-career urban studies/affairs graduates make about $76,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%.

16

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University landed the #16 spot for urban studies/affairs value this year. Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from Harvard University generally make around $95,207. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

17

Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA

Norfolk State University landed the #17 spot for urban studies/affairs value this year. Located in the city of Norfolk, Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,180, while out-of-state students pay about $21,682. Early-career urban studies/affairs graduates make about $54,971. Norfolk State University admits about 88% of applicants.

18

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University earned the #18 position for value in urban studies/affairs this year. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $16,417 in student loans. Early-career urban studies/affairs graduates make about $51,162. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.

19

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI

Wayne State University placed #19 among the best values for urban studies/affairs. Wayne State University is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. Students from in state pay about $16,159 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $25,205 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from Wayne State University generally make around $43,811. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wayne State University admits about 81% of applicants.

20

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies/affairs schools. Set in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $20,550 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $27,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

21

Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA

Georgia State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies/affairs schools. Georgia State University is a very large public school located in the city of Atlanta. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,664, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $26,091 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from Georgia State University generally make around $52,589. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%.

22

Suny At Albany
Albany, NY

Suny At Albany earned the #22 position for value in urban studies/affairs this year. Set in the city of Albany, Suny At Albany is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,601, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. Typical student debt for urban studies/affairs graduates is $23,521. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from Suny At Albany generally make around $44,736. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants.

23

Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University placed #23 among the best values for urban studies/affairs. Located in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $32,083 in student loans. Urban Studies/affairs graduates of Cleveland State University earn a median of $38,929 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $32,083 median debt. Cleveland State University admits about 91% of applicants.

24

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #24 for value in urban studies/affairs this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,275 to complete the urban studies/affairs program here. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Austin generally make around $57,819. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

25

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #25 for value in urban studies/affairs this year. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Early-career urban studies/affairs graduates make about $86,770. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.